Why I Love Clove: A Love Letter To The most underrated Herb
Hi. My name is Ash. I love clove. Anything else about me is less important.
Clove smells the way that beautiful girl you saw in the bookstore the other day smells, its the simmer pot, the remedy, the long forgotten love of the herbal world.
It’s warm, spicy, and brimming with attitude, yet it’s been quietly doing the work for centuries, long before modern medicine caught on. I love clove because it’s powerful, versatile, and unapologetically bold. So buckle up, because I’m about to wax poetic about why clove deserves a place in your spice rack, your apothecary, and maybe even your heart. I love clove. (Had to say it one more time)
Medicinal Benefits of Clove
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has been a medicinal superstar for over 2,000 years,(damn) revered in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and medieval European herbalism. Why? Because this little flower bud punches WAY above its weight class, with some of the most potent and obvious effects.
Pain Relief
Eugenol, the active compound in clove, is a natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory. This makes clove the MVP for toothaches, sore gums, and even muscle pain. Seriously, it’s like nature’s Ibuprofen, but it smells amazing. I put some of this on a busted lip last week, and I had to overenunciate my words, because I COULDN’T FEEL IT.
Antimicrobial Superpowers
Clove is the herb you want when you’re battling germs. It’s been shown to fight bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. Clove oil is often used to disinfect wounds as well, or as a mouthwash to combat bad breath and gum disease. I use it in my mouth wash, and I throw some in my home multipurpose cleaner (recipe to drop soon).
Respiratory Aid
For colds and congestion, clove helps clear up mucus and opens the airways. Its warming properties make it a go-to for chest rubs and steam inhalations, and works as an incredible external application when paired with internal use of Mullein. A solid one two punch that has me positively lobbing gunk from my chest. I know thats gross, but you know what, its honest.
Digestive Support
Feeling a little off after that questionable leftover? Clove to the rescue. It soothes nausea, reduces bloating, and even stimulates digestion. I use it anytime I feel a little queasy, and have a tincture that I carry with me everywhere.
Hair Health
Clove isnt just a kitchen staple or first-aid hero—it’s also a secret weapon for luscious locks. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties and high levels of antioxidants, clove promotes scalp health, stimulates hair growth, and adds shine to dull strands. I make a water spray with clove and rosemary for my scalp and hair.
Spiritual Uses of Clove
If clove were a person, it would wear a velvet cloak and offer unsolicited but life-changing advice. Its energy is protective, grounding, and fiery, making it a staple in spiritual practices.
Protection and Cleansing
Clove has been used for centuries to ward off negative energy. Burn it as incense or add it to spell jars for an extra layer of magical protection. It’s the spiritual equivalent of locking your doors at night.
Manifestation and Prosperity
Clove’s warming energy is fantastic for attracting abundance. Add it to money-drawing spells, or simply keep a few cloves in your wallet. Who doesn’t want a spicy sidekick for manifesting success?
Love and Passion
Clove has an alluring, fiery energy that can heat up romantic spells or add intensity to self-love rituals. Crush a few cloves, mix them with honey, and anoint a candle to infuse your love life with some spice.
How To Use Clove: Recipes & Remedies
Now that I’ve convinced you of clove’s greatness, let’s get practical. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use clove, from the kitchen to the apothecary to the altar.
Clove Toothache Oil
When that molar starts acting up at 2 a.m., clove is your hero.
In a pinch, just chow down on a clove whole. I will be entirely honest – I usually do this version.
What You Need: 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 5 drops of clove oil.
How to Use: Mix the oils and apply a small amount to the affected gum with a cotton swab. The numbing effect will kick in within minutes. (Bonus: It also fights infection!)
Warming Clove Tea
This tea is perfect for colds, sore throats, or chilly nights.
- What You Need: 1 teaspoon of whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cups of water, honey (optional).
- How to Make: Simmer the cloves and cinnamon in water for 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey, and enjoy. It’s like a warm hug in a cup.
DIY Clove Chest Rub
Breathe easier with this natural remedy.
- What You Need: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 10 drops of clove oil, 3 drops of eucalyptus oil (if desired)
- How to Use: Mix and massage onto your chest for congestion relief. You can also mix with beeswax to make it closer to a salve, but add more clove oil if you’re going to do that.
Clove Infused Hair Spray
This oil works wonders for my hair, and I always smell sooooooo good. Like the weird lady in the woods. Mmm. I do NOT have hard measurements for this one, so apologies. Use your heart.
- What You Need: Water, a handful of cloves (i know its a lot but trust trust trust), rosemary, ginger, sage.
- How to Make: Gently heat water to a simmer. Add ingredients. Strain, cool, spray at the roots of your hair and on the ends.
Bonus: Culinary Clove is Delicious
Clove isn’t just medicinal—it’s delicious. Add it to stews, mulled wine, or baked goods for a warm, aromatic kick. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
“I am kidding. Throw that shit in there.” – cl0vel0v3r8
Why Clove Deserves A Spot in your life
Clove is a healer, a protector, and a flavor bomb all rolled into one. It’s small but mighty, ancient but timeless, and oh-so-easy to love. Whether you’re soothing a toothache, warding off bad vibes, or just making your house smell like a cozy spice market, clove has your back. As the old saying goes: if I could bathe in it, I would. Except I do actually bathe in it. Its anti-inflammatory and good for circulation!
So, here’s to clove: the humble herb that does it all with a wink and a spicy, sexy flourish.
Do you love clove? Do you hate clove? Comment your thoughts below, if you dare.
